ALDOT: Icy conditions expected after snowfall

Published 4:11 pm Tuesday, January 16, 2018

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Transportation is continuing to warn Alabamians to expect icy roadways and bridges beginning Tuesday and lasting until temperatures return to above freezing.

Hazardous driving conditions should be expected in any part of Alabama where snow or precipitation is followed by temperatures dropping below freezing. Icy conditions may develop on any streets or highways especially bridges, overpasses, elevated spans, and hilly or shaded areas, even in areas that may have been pre-treated in advance of wintry precipitation.

To avoid being caught in icy conditions, delay travel after snow or precipitation begins to fall. High pavement temperatures from warm weather through Monday may cause snow or wintry mix to melt and immediately begin turning to ice or slush, making driving conditions difficult and potentially hazardous.

ALDOT, emergency management and law enforcement officials are united in urging people to avoid travel after snow or wintry mix begins falling, and until conditions improve.

Appropriate driving speeds are determined by the road conditions, which on wet or icy roads should be slower than the posted speed limit. Motorists should slow down and move over if possible when approaching ALDOT and other highway maintenance personnel and emergency vehicles at work.

ALDOT crews are working diligently to keep interstates, U.S. and state highways passable until conditions improve, but conditions ranging from difficult to hazardous will be present in some areas.

Motorists needing information on road conditions in Alabama should look to local news media and go to ALGOtraffic.com or download the ALGO Traffic app available online through the Apple App Store and Google Play.

ALDOT asks motorists to use ALGOtraffic.com responsibly. Motorists should never text, tweet, or use a mobile device while operating a vehicle.